Farmers’ Cabinet Landlord Sues Swartzes for More Than $1 Million

The author, middle, at Farmers’ Cabinet on July 7th, the last night it was open.

From the Department of News That Will Surprise Absolutely No One comes this: Farmers’ Cabinet landlord Good Fortunes LLC has filed a landlord-tenant lawsuit against Matt and Colleen Swartz, alleging that the Swartzes owe $1,068,149.21 in back rent, future rent (their lease doesn’t expire until 2021), city code violations, utility bills, and various fees and court costs.

According to the lease agreement appended to the suit, monthly rent exceeded $10,000, and there are allegedly more than $30,000 in returned checks. The complaint also claims that the Swartzes were given a notice to vacate the premises by June 30th but that they refused to get out.

The restaurant hasn’t been open since July 7th, the date the above photo was taken by a bartender during our visit. (Only a handful of draft beers were available, and many menu items had been 86’d. As always, it was a great place to hang out with excellent service.)

Good Fortunes LLC is a company owned by Michael Wei, whose restaurant portfolio includes Bryn Mawr’s Yang Ming and Nectar in Berwyn. Wei purchased the Farmers’ Cabinet building in January.

A few weeks ago, we asked Wei if he had any plans to open a restaurant in the Farmers’ Cabinet space once the Farmers’ Cabinet met its inevitable doom. “No immediate plans,” he said.

When reached for comment via email, Matt Swartz replied, “Check your facts there is no lawsuit filed against me.”